self-serving actions

[/sɛlf ˈsɜːrvɪŋ ˈækʃənz/]

noun phrase

ações interesseiras

1. Actions motivated primarily by personal benefit or advantage rather than by altruism or the common good

The politician's self-serving actions revealed his true priorities.

As ações interesseiras do político revelaram suas verdadeiras prioridades.

2. Behavior that prioritizes one's own interests over those of others or a group

His self-serving actions alienated him from his colleagues.

Suas ações interesseiras o afastaram de seus colegas.

NYC Slang

looking out for numero uno / looking out for your own

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ações interesseiras

Most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

ações interesseiras / atitudes egoístas

Both terms are widely used

São Paulo

ações interesseiras / atos de interesse próprio

More formal business context usage

Portugal

ações interesseiras / actos egoístas

Often uses 'acto' instead of 'ação'; slightly more formal tone

feather one's nest (English) / encher o bolso (Portuguese)

have an axe to grind (English) / ter interesse pessoal (Portuguese)

serve oneself first (English) / pensar só em si (Portuguese)

put oneself first (English) / colocar-se em primeiro lugar (Portuguese)

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